Former Florida U.S. Rep. Allen West to visit N.H.

Controversial former U.S. Rep. Allen West will keynote a major Republican event in Nashua next month ahead of what could be a presidential run, WMUR Political Scoop has learned.

West will keynote the Nashua Republican Committee's annual "Steak Out," one of the major fundraising events in state politics. That event, at the Crowne Plaza, raises money for the Nashua GOP, but there will be two connected events with West that will also raise money for the New Hampshire Republican Party and West's political action committee. Tickets for the Nashua "Steak Out" event begin at $100.

The event is sure to gain national attention not only because of West's reputation, but also because it could be the beginning of a presidential campaign.

Last month West told Sean Hannity's radio show that he was available to run for president and that “I don’t think we should ever elect someone who wants to be president. We should elect someone who is calledto be president.”

West won a single term to the U.S. House in 2010. He was one of two Republican African-Americans elected that year. West quickly became known for his fiery rhetoric. Just last week, in a pre-Independence Day message on Facebook, West wrote, "The time draws near to teach this usurper and charlatan the lesson our forefathers taught King George III. We will not be ruled by arrogance and edict."

Since last year's presidential race a handful of Republicans have visited the state exploring a presidential run, including former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.